Photo by: Mike Loveday
	Arundel's passing game should be strong with two receivers returning this season.

 By Mike Loveday

Key losses: No other team in the state can say they lost two state record holders. With the graduation of Nick Elko (QB), Brandon Johnson-Farrell (WR) the Wildcats lose the state's total offensive yardage (Elko) and receptions (Johnson-Farrell) leaders.

Key returnees: Alec Lemon (WR) and Sean Fitzgerald (WR) move up the depth chart and know the offense.

Impact newcomer: The biggest name in this list is Billy Cosh (QB) who steps into Elko's shoes. Blake Alderman (LB), Corey Lavender (DL), Bobby Partilla (LB).

Most Improved: R.J. Harris had the physical tools last season and the coaching staff thought he could be good, but this year Harris has improved his knowledge of the game and is expected to provide a spark at split end, according to head coach Chuck Markiewicz.

Names to watch: Markiewicz said they coaching staff challenged Scott Green and the junior responded.

My take: Honestly, if I wrote this three months ago my thoughts would not have involved Arundel being in the Top 25. But after seeing junior Billy Cosh at the Quarterback Tune -up event along with the Wildcats at their recent scrimmage I think they have the chance to be very good this year.

Cosh has the advantage of having two receivers, Lemon and Fitzgerald, returning to the offense, which should help the learning curve. Add Cosh's inherent football knowledge that comes with being the son of a coach and I think Arundel will not take as big a hit this season.

I expect another playoff run for Arundel and nine to 10 wins when all is said and done.

That said, it is difficult to believe the loss of Elko and Johnson-Farrell will not affect the team's record at all and with rival Broadneck on tap for the first game of the year I do not expect Arundel to get off to another 13-0 start this year.

Quick quote: "Last year was last year. We have to do everything we did last year again this year. These kids have to find the strength.

By Mike Loveday

Arundel receiver Alec Lemon traveled the country this summer, with visits to Louisville, Syracuse, Tulane and UConn just to name a few. Now the 6-foot-2, 185-pound receiver is awaiting his first official offer which he believes could come soon.

Lemon had some of his best camp performances at Syracuse and Vanderbilt and the two programs are at the top of his list.

"I like both of their academics and how both of the campuses are set up," Lemon said. "I like how all the coaches were involved in the camps. You didn't just see the head coach for 10 seconds like I did at UConn and then he'd be gone. The head coaches were out there and interacting with all the kids."

Lemon added that while neither school has made an official offer, he thinks either of the schools could be the first to do so.

"They want to compare me to the other receivers they've been looking at, or they've offered," Lemon said. "They told me to be patient, but I feel real good about both of those schools."

Lemon is coming off a junior season where he made 70 catches for 969 yards and 13 touchdowns, helping Arundel make it to the Class 4A state title game.

The change in this year's team will be replacing Consensus All-State players Nick Elko and Brandon Johnson-Farrell. Lemon looks to step into Johnson-Farrell's lead receiver spot while it will fall to rising junior Billy Cosh to fill the void at quarterback.

The Wildcats have participated in 7-on-7 tournaments in the offseason and the offense looks to be coming together.

"We've been to several 7-on-7 tournaments and our whole team lit it up," Lemon said. "He (Billy Cosh) is just like Nick (Elko). He just needs that varsity experience and once he gets that under his belt he'll be set."

The Wildcats will be looking to make it back to M & T Bank stadium this year and become the first Anne Arundel County team to win a state title since North County in 1994.

Alec is a member of this year's Dream Team third team. If you want to know more about the Dream Team and the preseason football magazine Click here

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You can e-mail Mike at oloveday5@yahoo.com